For the 2025-2026 season, freshman Charlotte Ben was selected for the Coastal Canyon Second Team, along with her teammate, junior Natalee Elazary. Chosen by the coaches of the league and voted for, they were the only two of the Oak Park girls soccer team to earn spots. 

“I felt very excited and all my teammates were very supportive. I am so grateful I got this opportunity with Nat,” Ben said. 

Ben is on the varsity girls soccer team. She has been playing soccer since she was three-years-old. She started in AYSO, or American Youth Soccer Organization, and eventually moved to club teams. In addition to playing for OPHS, she also plays for LAFC ECNL 2010. 

“My mom played soccer when she was in high school, and she is the one that put me into a league and always encouraged me to keep going,” Ben said. 

Ben is a defensive midfielder and outside back. Her primary job is to run, collect and secure the ball to then be passed up. 

“I have always been more defensive minded and am better at running back and being physical,” Ben said. 

Ben is very passionate about the sport. She loves everything that it brings to her life and the entire culture of the game. 

“My favorite part about playing soccer is the high level and competitiveness,” Ben said.  “Throughout the years I have also met people that I would have never met before and created lifelong friendships.” 

She not only flourishes on the field, but in her life outside of soccer. Ben is in ASB and is the 9th Grade Class President. She is also in track and field and does the 100 meters and the 100 meter hurdles. 

“In a typical training week, I have track practice 3:30-5:30 Monday through Friday, along with meets. Then after track I have club soccer practice from 7:30-9:00 Tuesday through Thursday,” Ben said “On the weekends, I have games, tournaments, and showcases.” 

Ben’s schedule is packed, but she is working hard to reach her dreams.

“My goal is to play D1 soccer at a university and maybe even go further than that,” Ben said.

Ben understands the importance of hard work. 

“One opinion that I hold very strongly is that if you want something bad enough and are willing to work as hard as you can for it, then you will be able to achieve it,” Ben said. 

She is a relentless self-starter, possessing her own internal drive. 

“I tell myself to keep going and try to persevere, because if I don’t achieve what I want then someone else will,” Ben said. “Someone else is always willing to put in the work too.” 

As Ben is only a freshman, she certainly has some time left here at Oak Park. She is looking forward to continuing her journey. 

“I feel so grateful that I get all these opportunities and all my family and team has been very supportive. I am excited to keep playing at Oak Park and hopefully will be able to continue making an impact.”